ZIMBABWE captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere led a spirited fightback, scoring a defiant 70 in a Super 6 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup encounter at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
The Zimbabwean skipper’s efforts were not enough to prevent a 74-run defeat to Bangladesh. Despite the loss, the Mukuru-sponsored side showed fight, particularly in a late partnership that frustrated the opposition after a difficult start to their chase.
Bangladesh U19 won the toss and elected to bat, but the Zimbabwe U19 bowling attack worked hard to keep the scoring under control on a good surface. The hosts struck early when Panashe Mazai removed Rifat Beg for 15, followed by a sharp run-out of Zawad Abrar for 25. The wickets were shared evenly among the attack, with Tatenda Chimugoro (2/49), Shelton Mazvitorera (2/44), and Michael Blignaut (2/41) each claiming two victims to stop Bangladesh U19 from dominating the middle overs.
While Bangladesh U19 captain Azizul Hakim anchored his side with 59 off 87 balls and Rizan Hossan added 47, the Zimbabwe U19 bowlers finished strong. They picked up regular wickets at the death to restrict the total to 253/9 from their 50 overs, keeping the target within reach.
The chase, however, began disastrously for the home side. Bangladesh U19 pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon tore through the top order with a devastating spell, reducing Zimbabwe U19 to 54/5 inside the first 15 overs. Emon eventually finished with match-winning figures of 5/24.
Amidst the collapse, Mudzengerere stood firm. The skipper occupied the crease for a determined 121 balls, hitting eight boundaries in his 70. He found a willing partner in Shelton Mazvitorera when the score had slipped to 109/8. Mazvitorera played with freedom, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 42 balls, including two sixes and four fours.
The pair added 64 runs for the ninth wicket, delaying the end and forcing Bangladesh U19 to work hard for the final wickets. Mudzengerere was eventually dismissed in the 46th over, and Zimbabwe U19 were bowled out for 179 in 48.4 overs, falling short by 74 runs.
